Epidemiology Ph.D.

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of disease frequency in human populations. It is a fundamental science of public health and medicine enabling estimation of disease burden, assessment of risk and resilience factors, and assessment of interventions to reduce disease burden over time. Epidemiology requires a foundation of coursework in epidemiologic methods, biostatistical analysis, and public health disciplines. Epidemiologists with doctorates focus on the causes and prevention of disease in human populations, as well as methods to advance epidemiologic research. Objectives Graduates of the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health PhD Program in Epidemiology will acquire the advanced quantitative and analytical skills needed to conduct innovative independent research that advances knowledge of the etiology, prevention, and amelioration of human disease. They will be prepared for positions as scientists in a wide range of public health settings, including universities, federal and state agencies, business, and industry.

Core Competencies

Students graduating from this program will be able to:

Apply population-based concepts of chronic and infectious disease epidemiology within appropriate biological, pathophysiological, social, and community contexts. 

Apply methods for collecting, evaluating, and synthesizing existing evidence of health determinants to research on public health problems.

Apply appropriate data quality assurance and statistical methods for the research questions and study designs used in epidemiologic research.

Formulate a testable hypothesis and propose a related study design and analytic approach that have the potential for advancing knowledge of the determinants of health and disease.

Apply ethical principles to problems that arise in epidemiologic research and practice.

Evaluate scientific, cultural, and political issues on epidemiologic research, including research goals, recruitment of study participants, and communication of results in the appropriate contexts. 

Demonstrate excellent verbal and communication skills in teaching epidemiologic principles and concepts at appropriate levels to different audiences.

For more information and instructions on how to apply visit the PhD in Epidemiology web page.

Total Credit Hours: 108